CLUB PROFILE: We'll know soon enough if that startling upset in the NFC title game to Atlanta will leave this club with a psychosis or greater hunger to get to the Super Bowl. They lost solid players in Evans, Johnson and Alexander, but they got a potential long-term keeper in Culpepper, who can take his time behind QB Randall Cunningham. The offensive line is beautifully synchronized in front of RB Robert Smith. They have the next Jerry Rice in WR Randy Moss, who stretches the field so Cris Carter can operate underneath. Defensively, they added much needed bulk up front to help John Randle, who is still one of the best pass-rushers in the game.

PROGNOSIS: There's no reason why they can't reach the Super Bowl, especially if RB Jamal Anderson isn't ready to perform after his protracted contract dispute with Atlanta. There isn't a significant weakness here and the coaching is strong.

CLUB PROFILE: How time flies. QB Brett Favre turns 30 in October. He's just entering his middle prime years, but he will have to win for the first time without the man who rescued him from oblivion -- Mike Holmgren. Timmerman is potentially the club's biggest loss on an offensive line that is beginning to pick up injuries. But there is plenty of offense at the talent positions -- RB Dorsey Levens and WR Antonio Freeman. Defensively, DE Vonnie Holladay is ready for a 15-sack season, and they have that great set of linebackers.

PROGNOSIS: In addition to two games against the Vikings, the Packers have three tough games on the road -- Broncos, Cowboys and 49ers. GM Ron Wolf worked hard to plug holes in the secondary that were exploited by the Vikings last year, but they're still only second-best in the Central.

CLUB PROFILE: Last year's designer team turned into just another Bucco bust. Management is about at the end of the trail with QB Trent Dilfer, who lapsed badly. They don't want to shove King in there yet, so they picked up super-sub Zeier. Both are short (6-0). The defense might have kept the club in more games if DT Warren Sapp hadn't started the year on the chubby side. But the offense might have been a lot better if expensive free agent Bert Emanuel didn't pull up lame early and drop a lot of balls when he was fit. RBs Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott need to get back to their 1997 numbers.

PROGNOSIS: Sapp's weight is down, and they're very deep on the defensive line. But they can still be beaten over the top and there doesn't seem to be enough offense to stay with the point-rich Vikings and Packers.

CLUB PROFILE: There was a lot of wishful thinking that Sanders would un-retire, but that hasn't happened. Meanwhile, the club picked up Hill to try and shore up the backfield, and Jones and Pritchett in hopes of shutting off the run up the middle. QB Charlie Batch is back in charge and throwing to Herman Moore and Johnnie Morton, but Detroit failed to score 20 points in seven of their final 10 games.